FAQs

GENERAL COURSE FAQs

How do I register for the course?

Online or by calling 020 7034 4000. If you register online, you will receive a confirmation email with your day of attendance. Please bring the confirmation email with you when attending your first session. If you register by any means other than online, you will receive a payment receipt confirming your registration. Please bring the payment receipt with you when attending your first session.

Are you taking bookings up until the day the course starts?

Yes, we are. However please select a day of attendance and book early to avoid disappointment.

If I book late, how will I know which days are still free?

When you select your day of attendance on the online booking form it will show what remains available.

Can I swap one day for another after I’ve made a booking?

If you are just attending on a different day on this occasion, just come along. If you’d like to change your day of attendance going forwards, please call the Enrolments Administrator on 020 7034 4000.

What do I need to bring with me?

Just an open and enquiring mind. At the end of each evening a handout with a summary of the key points of each session is provided.

Do I need any previous qualifications?

No. The courses are suitable for everyone, regardless of education, occupation, race, political or religious belief.

INTRODUCTORY PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY FAQs

How is the course run?

A tutor presents material, and leads a discussion based on what arises. Being practical rather than academic, the emphasis is on personal knowledge. Students are encouraged neither to accept nor reject the ideas put forward, but to test them in practice for themselves, in the light of their own experience. In this way, for those who wish, the whole week between sessions can become a learning opportunity.

As the course continues, the most vivid and valuable part of the evening meetings is often sharing what has been seen in daily life between individual sessions.

Do I need any previous qualifications?

No. The course is intended for everyone, regardless of education, occupation, race, political or religious belief.

What does ‘Practical Philosophy’ mean?

The course is practical in the sense that it is designed to be of direct use in our everyday lives. The intention is to stimulate enquiry and through this expand the way we look at the world and ourselves.

What do I need to bring with me?

Just an open and enquiring mind, and an interest in the subject matter. At the end of each evening a handout with key points and any quotations used is provided.

Who are the course tutors?

Our philosophy tutors have all been studying in the School for some time. All have considerable experience of applying the lessons of philosophy to their everyday lives. They come from all walks of life and many different professions, but all share the same love of passing on knowledge in order that people can get the most out of their lives. None are paid for being a tutor.

Will I get a certificate or qualification?

This is not an academic course. There are no exams.

Is the course ‘religious’?

The course is not religious, but it does address the spirit in Mankind. It is designed to be suitable for people of all faiths – and those who follow no particular faith.

Does the school offer further studies in Practical Philosophy after the introductory course?

Yes, for those who wish. Some people find that the introductory practical philosophy course, which is intended to be of real value in its own right, satisfies their interest. Others want to continue their studies. The School caters for this, offering additional courses and the chance to penetrate further the great questions of life. This can last for another term, another year, or longer. However long or short a time people may wish to study in the School, the hope is that everyone will find something of true and lasting value.

What form do these further studies take?

The basic format of a group discussion remains unchanged.

In terms of content, the next few terms examine the subjects broadly covered in the introductory course in more detail, exploring further ways to make the study practical.

After that, the study increasingly turns to deeper understanding of the philosophy of Advaita. This can go on for as long as the individual wishes. Each term has the capacity to add something of real value to those whose interest persists.

Does the course include meditation?

There is much focus on the direct experience of stillness as the underlying basis for clear observation and connection with oneself. However, the practice of mantra meditation as such does not form part of the course. Meditation is introduced a few terms later for those who wish it. Over time it becomes an increasingly central practice.

What is ‘Advaita’?

Advaita is the clearest and most systematic expression we have found of the common philosophy that lies at the heart of many of the world’s great religions and philosophies. Literally meaning ‘devoid of duality’, it is a universal philosophy of great breadth. Its most central tenet is everyone and everything are in essence the expression of one consciousness.

A true appreciation of Advaita allows life to be led more fully and richly, conferring greater freedom on the individual and those around him or her. It is designed to bring out the best in everyone, whatever the part they are playing.

INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICS WITH JUSTICE FAQs

What do you mean by ‘Economics with Justice’?

Our Economics with Justice courses are a fresh and innovative approach to economics, considering the principles relating to the major areas of economic study.

Economics with Justice takes as its basic assumption that in practice economics should have a just and equitable outcome for all those participating in, or affected by, the economy. Economics is approached as a human study, involving all of humanity, but with humanity seen in the context of its place in nature and the universe. The role of nature as the source of wealth and sustainer of life is emphasised.

Including considerations of justice, equity and nature’s laws into the study of how economics works opens up a much brighter prospect for planetary health and human prosperity.

What’s the format for the course?

There are ten weekly sessions held over ten weeks. Presentation is relatively informal and there is always opportunity for discussion. Considerable emphasis is placed on direct observation of economic laws and forces at work. The sessions are divided into two halves with a break for refreshments in the middle. See the course program for more details.

Will I get a certificate or qualification?

No. These are not academic courses. There are no exams and no formal assessment. They are intended simply to help participants understand more fully the world in which they live.

Can I continue learning about Economics with Justice after the Introductory course?

Yes, the introductory course is the first of a three part course. There are two further courses available both consisting of ten sessions over ten weeks.

Part 2 is called Ideas. It examines some of the key ideas that powerfully influence the way we think and the way we relate to others in the world economic community. Through challenging presentations and lively discussion, it explores the possibility of stepping free of the limitations of these ideas to appreciate a greater sense of justice for humanity. You can find out more here.